The Ashes 2021: Usman Khawaja earns a recall to the Australian Test squad for the first two Tests

The 2021 Ashes series between Australia and England will commence on 8th December 2021, with the first rubber slated to be played at The Gabba in Brisbane. And, ahead of The Ashes, the Australian cricket team has recalled Usman Khawaja into the Test squad for the first two Test matches.

Apart from Khawaja, the likes of Mitchell Swepson and Marcus Harris have also been picked for the Ashes series. Michael Neser has also been added to the squad and will be a part of the pace attack of the Australian side that includes Jhye Richardson, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins.

Also, the Chairman of selectors of the Australian side, George Bailey said that Jhye Richardson is reaping the rewards for concentrating on red-ball cricket, and added that Richardson brings with him an exceptional skill set as well.

“Jhye is seeing the rewards of concentrating on his red-ball cricket in the build-up to this series. We know he has an exceptional skill set and are excited about what he brings to the team now his body is back on track,” said Bailey according to Cricbuzz.

Marcus Harris has been a consistent run-scorer: George Bailey

George Bailey also said that Marcus Harris has been consistent with the bat in domestic cricket, and added that he is a good player who can build a strong partnership at the top of the order for Australia alongside the experienced David Warner.

“Marcus has been a consistent run-scorer domestically and had a strong winter further developing his game with Leicestershire. He is a good player who will be looking to build a strong partnership with David Warner at the top of the order,” said Bailey.

Bailey also opened up on Usman Khawaja as well. Khawaja makes a return to the Test squad for the first time since August 2019. Bailey said that Khawaja is calm and experienced and has the ability to bat in different positions in the Australian batting lineup.

“Similarly, Usman Khawaja has been in great touch. He brings a calm, consistent and experienced component to the batting lineup and is a proven run-scorer at Test level. He also has the ability to bat across a range of positions in the batting order,” concluded George Bailey.

Meanwhile, the Aussies will also play a three-day intra-squad match that will commence on 1^st December 2021, and the selectors have named an 11-member team for the same as well.

Australia’s Test squad for The Ashes: Tim Paine (C), Pat Cummins (VC), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner

Australia A squad: Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Nic Maddinson, Mitchell Marsh, Matt Renshaw, Mark Steketee, Bryce Street